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Coles accused of ‘utterly misleading’ discounts as major court case kicks off
- On February 16, 2026 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission began a Federal Court case alleging Coles misled customers with its Down Down campaign on 245 products.
- ACCC alleges Coles briefly spiked prices to an establishing price then offered a Down Down discount, while Coles says supplier cost increases and mid-2021 to 2023 inflation forced retail price rises.
- Court documents included price histories for Shapes biscuits and Karicare baby formula, while Garry Rich SC opened with Nature's Gift 1.2kg wet dog food showing $4, a $6 spike for seven days, then a $4.50 Down Down sale.
- If proven, the ACCC seeks declarations and financial penalties against Coles, citing tens of millions of allegedly discounted goods that affected millions of consumers and hundreds of stores nationwide.
- Woolworths also faces related allegations and a separate case is scheduled later this year, while internal Coles emails and Down Down TV ads were submitted as evidence on Monday.
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Total News Sources45
Leaning Left11Leaning Right6Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
15%
R 30%
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